ESPN still bullish on drone racing as it gives green light to DRL season 3

The world of drone racing is still going strong, as ESPN announced that it has signed on the Drone Racing League for a third season.

DRL season 3 will premiere on ESPN on Sept. 6, showcasing drone pilots racing around different high-profile spots around the world, including the BMW Welt and the Adventuredome, a five-acre indoor amusement park at the Circus Circus Hotel in Las Vegas.

The TV series will feature 18 FPV pilots, racing to be crowned number one. They’ll race in three rounds (ranking, semi-finals and finals) over a series of 1-minute heats. They’ll be ranked based on times. The top racers will be invited to the 2018 DRL Allianz World Championship event in Saudi Arabia.

The decision to host the final drone race of DRL season 3 in Saudi Arabia drone race has been controversial for the drone community. This is the first time a professional drone race will have been staged in the country, which is known for being unwelcoming toward minorities including women and the LGBTQ community.